The Digester
< Friday May 22, 2026

Trump to Require AI Firms to Share Models 90 Days Before Release

Framework would also give critical infrastructure providers like banks advance access to powerful AI models, settling a debate between MAGA activists pushing mandatory testing and venture capitalists resisting regulation.

  1. SpaceX launches Starship V3 on first test flight

    SpaceX is preparing to launch the first flight of its advanced Starship V3 configuration from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on May 21-22, 2026. The test will demonstrate launch, ascent, stage separation, and a Gulf of Mexico landing approximately seven minutes after liftoff. The upper stage will deploy 20 Starlink simulators and two modified satellites to image the heat shield during reentry. The mission is critical to NASA's Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2027 under a $3 billion contract.

  2. Asian markets surge as Nvidia results spark AI rally

    Asian stock markets rallied sharply Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei surging 3 percent and South Korea's Kospi climbing 8 percent after Nvidia's earnings reignited AI enthusiasm. SoftBank Group jumped nearly 20 percent on its exposure to the sector through Arm Holdings and OpenAI investments. Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix rose 6 percent and 11 percent respectively. Japan's exports grew 14.8 percent year-on-year in April, with semiconductor exports surging 41.6 percent. Economists at ING said strong export figures increase the likelihood of a Bank of Japan rate hike in June.

  3. Trump Warns Iran to Give 'Right Answers' or Face Swift Action

    President Trump declared negotiations with Iran are at a critical juncture, warning the situation "will move very quickly" unless Tehran provides "100% satisfactory" answers. Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed it is reviewing Washington's latest proposal, delivered by Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi on his second visit in less than a week. Iran's demands include a complete ceasefire, sanctions relief, release of frozen assets, war reparations, and recognition of its Strait of Hormuz sovereignty. Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian said "all options remain on the table" following the talks.

  4. Ukraine drones breach NATO airspace, Latvia PM resigns

    Ukrainian drones have repeatedly breached NATO and Baltic airspace in recent months. Incidents include hitting an Estonian power plant and fuel tanks in Latvia, while Vilnius residents sought shelter on May 20. Ukraine apologized, blaming Russian jamming and spoofing. Lithuania accused Moscow of deliberately redirecting drones. On May 21 drones struck the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region, killing at least two people.

  5. Trump plans direct call with Taiwan president, first since 1979

    President Donald Trump said he intends to speak directly with Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te, which would be the first direct presidential communication between the United States and Taiwan since 1979. Taiwan's government confirmed Lai is willing to engage in dialogue. China responded by warning the United States to handle the Taiwan issue with "extreme caution." The Financial Times reported Beijing is pressuring the White House to halt an arms package to Taiwan worth up to $14 billion, the largest in the island's history.

  6. Lilly retatrutide achieves 28% weight loss in Phase 3 trial

    Eli Lilly's retatrutide succeeded in a Phase 3 trial, with patients at the highest dose losing an average of 70.3 pounds, or 28.3% of body weight, over 80 weeks. Roughly 45% of participants achieved at least 30% weight loss, comparable to results typically seen with bariatric surgery. The drug distinguishes itself by targeting three hormone pathways—GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon—rather than the one or two pathways addressed by existing treatments. Lilly expects to file for FDA approval by year end, with analysts projecting $3.8 billion in annual sales by 2030.

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